Atlantic County Recovery Court to Graduate 51 Participants

The Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage will recognize the successes of 51 graduates from the recovery court program in Atlantic County during a ceremony on Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. in the jury assembly room of the Atlantic County Criminal Courthouse, 4997 Unami Blvd., Mays Landing. 

The ceremony marks two milestones for the participants: the culmination of their journeys from addiction to recovery, and a fresh start in life without the stigma of a criminal record. The recovery court team, which is staffed by court personnel, attorneys, probation officers, substance abuse evaluators, and treatment professionals, has continued to support participants in their recovery by providing supervision and resources. 

“The proliferation of drugs in this area and across the country is as bad as I’ve ever seen. These participants were able to navigate their way through a pandemic and some significant changes to the recovery court program. This is a major achievement for each and every graduate,” said Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Waldman, who leads the vicinage’s recovery court program.

Judge Waldman will sign expungement orders for all eligible graduates. 

The ceremony will include encouraging words from Assignment Judge Michael Blee, Criminal Division Presiding Judge Bernard DeLury, and Judge Waldman. A participant will be awarded the Participant of the Year distinction for their significant achievements. 

“Recovery court graduation exemplifies the accomplishments of our participants as well as the hard work and dedication by our team. We look forward to the future successes of our participants, who serve as role models for those looking to lead healthier and happier lives in their journey of recovery,” said Vicky Golas, coordinator of the recovery court program in Atlantic County.

The ceremony will be live streamed at www.njcourts.gov/public/channels under the Atlantic/Cape May tab.